Last Minute Travel Deals to Vancouver
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Vancouver Last Minute
Spacious, sleek and state-of-the-art, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a coastal city that lures last-minute travelers with its beautiful views, modern attractions, and stunning cityscape. It’s one of the largest cities in the Pacific Northwest, but it still maintains a clean, efficient, relaxed feel. With a population of a little over 500,000, Vancouver has brought together a fascinating mix of people, cultures, and experiences.
Visitors arriving in this city will notice an abundance of fresh air. At one time, Vancouver consisted of dense forests and even swamp land. Now, with a sparkling blue seaside and mountains serving as a backdrop, and with the presence of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, Vancouver has an advantage over many modern cities. Also, for a Canadian city, Vancouver has a rather temperate climate that visitors find agreeable. In fact, this city has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world!
This amazing metropolis boasts a great ethnic diversity among its residents: nearly half its residents have a first language other than English. In this “city of neighborhoods”, there is a mix of ethnicities scattered throughout the various residential divisions. This can be seen in neighborhoods like Punjabi Market, Little Italy, and Greektown. South Granville and Kerrisdale have a distinctly British feel, while Chinatown is bathed in exotic, exciting colors.
Downtown, excellent shopping, dining and entertainment await you. Check out the high-end retail stores and the delicious food selections that are located by Stanley Park. Once you’re done, you can relax in this former military reserve that now provides guests with a place to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. Under the Lions Gate Bridge is Prospect Point, the highest point in the park that provides amazing views of the North Shore Mountains and the Burrard Inlet. The park also features a miniature railway, a pool and waterpark, beaches and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center.
More great views can be experienced from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs more than 200 feet above the river below. Or you could head to Lighthouse Park and take a nice hike through its lush rain forest. Another favorite is Grouse Mountain, a perfect winter destination that offers skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating.
Vancouver’s nightlife glimmers, with bars and nightclubs serving up drinks and music for savvy patrons. The city has been ramping up its efforts to develop this downtown entertainment district, an escape from the seriousness of the surrounding office buildings.
Visitors with a taste for culture will love the Vancouver Art Gallery, which houses four centuries of Canadian Art. Exhibits that demonstrate a much earlier period in Vancouver’s history can be found at the Museum of Anthropology. Artifacts from the original inhabitants of this area are on display.
At the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the participation gallery lets you test your own athletic abilities after you’ve perused the exhibits that honor some of British Columbia’s best athletes. Or you could head to the H.R. MacMillan Space Center and take a fantasy trip on the space-ride simulator.
Visiting Vancouver is a smart choice for anyone who’s looking for a wide variety of entertainment, dining, shopping, and attractions. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer to stay sheltered, this city can accommodate your heart’s desire. You won’t regret a trip to Vancouver!